Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn by Belinda Murrell

Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House Australia, 2013. ISBN: 9781742758756.
(Ages: 6-9) Recommended. Lulu Bell is another series of stories designed to appeal to the 6-9 year old reader, this time with a veterinary theme drawn from the author's own childhood and a strong focus on family life.
Lulu Bell and her friend Molly are busy helping the family prepare for Rosie's underwater themed birthday party when the call comes for the vet, Lulu Belle's dad, to rescue a runaway pony seen running loose on a busy road. Once the pony is safely recovered the only place to keep him is in the backyard whilst the police find the owners.
How Lulu Bell and Molly solve the problem of a horse in the back yard with a taste for cake, and make Rosie's birthday party with a crowd of junior mermaids a success is all part of the fun.
Belinda Murrell is better known for her novels Ivory Rose, Ruby Talisman and most recently Forgotten Pearl but her foray into the junior market with such a positive family based storyline will be welcomed by parents and readers alike. The black and white illustrations enhance the story and add a whimsical look at family life as the story unfolds.
Sue Keane